Characters
Who is the main character in the novel?
Crash Coogan
In what state does the story take place?
Pennsylvania
What event at the beginning of the novel shows Crash's attitude?
Meeting his new neighbour, Penn Webb.
What does the word "victory" mean ?
Winning or success
What is one of the main themes of the novel?
Friendship
What is the name of Crash's best friend?
Mike Deluca
Describe where Crash lives.
In a big white house.
What is Crash's goal for the football season?
To be the star of the team and win the championship
Define the word "responsibility" as it relates to the story.
Duty or obligation to fulfill tasks or duties
How does the theme of friendship play out in the story?
Crash learns the value of true friendship and learns to appreciate Penn despite their differences.
What sport does Penn Webb excel at?
Running
Describe where Penn Webb lives.
In a house that looks like a garage.
What significant event happens during the climax of the story?
Crash's grandfather, Scooter, has a stroke.
What is the meaning of the term "bullying"?
Intimidating or harming others, often repeatedly and intentionally
Discuss the theme of family dynamics in the novel.
Crash's relationship with his family changes as he learns to be more empathetic and understanding.
Who is Crash's neighbour that he instantly dislikes?
Penn Webb
What did Abby change the backyard into?
A wildlife habitat.
How does Crash's relationship with Penn change throughout the story?
They become friends and Crash learns to appreciate him.
Define the word "empathy" and explain why it's important in the story.
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others; important for Crash to develop empathy to understand Penn's situation
What lesson about empathy does Crash learn throughout the story?
He learns to see things from other people's perspectives and understand their feelings.
What is the name of Crash's little sister?
Abby
What season is it when the story begins?
Fall
How do you know that Crash's parents changed throughout the novel?
They started doing more together as a family.
What does the term "stereotype" mean? Give an example from the novel.
A widely held but oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing; Example: Crash stereotypes his neighbor, Penn, as a "nerd" because he's smart and not athletic.
How does the theme of identity develop in the novel?
Crash learns to embrace his own identity rather than trying to conform to stereotypes.